Well, Paul, the biggest difference I'd say is that FU in the new version is just working towards power as opposed to say a specific office, whereas the British FU was working towards the Premiership. I personally don't think FU intended for Russo to flop like that- I thought he intended to use him as a power center, but shifted to exploit that opportunity once that happened.
Actually he planned to run him for Governor and then destroy at final stage, but it wasn't revealed until he suggested the Vice President runs as replacement (so he can become VP himself). Talk about Byzantine intrigue, wow.
Yeah, this was clearly the plan as evidenced by Stamper providing shelter to the stripper. The whole reason for that was to use the stripper to sabotage Russo at just the right time. However, I like to think they intended on helping Russo recover after his implosion. They did not anticipate him becoming a loose cannon.
Season two should be about the confirmation process in the first half followed by his ascendancy to president at the end of the season. If there is a season three, it will probably be Underwood's attempt at winning a presidential campaign. Season four would presumably be about re-election. Season five would be about the end of his second term. Hard to see the series stretching beyond season two or three, but definitely no more than five seasons.
